Browse Diseases & Conditions

Salmonellosis

Definition

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called
salmonella. Salmonella
can grow in a variety of places such as water, raw meat, seafood, certain pets, and eggs.

Causes

Salmonellosis is caused by ingestion of a strain of bacteria called salmonella. After the bacteria are ingested, within 6-48 hours
they will pass through the stomach to the intestine where inflammation occurs and spreads.

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may
test your stool or blood to confirm presence of
the bacteria

Treatment

Over-the-counter medications or oral rehydration solutions may be used to treat the symptoms of salmonellosis. The symptoms will usually improve on their own within 2-5 days. If symptoms are severe, talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Rehydration therapy—
Oral or IV fluid replacement is needed; electrolytes may also be added to the solution.

Acetaminophen
or
ibuprofen—Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to reduce fever or treat headaches and other pain.

Antibiotics—These are required only in severe cases
where blood infection may occur. Antibiotic use in non-severe cases does not improve a person's outcome. It may cause the bacteria to stay longer in your system.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting salmonellosis, take the following steps:

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Use of a self-assessment
questionnaire for food safety education in the home kitchen—Los Angeles
County, California, 2006-2008.
MMWR.
2010;59(34):1098-101.

Revisions

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.